Chabot College
Fall 2005
Course Outline for Digital Media 36B
FINAL CUT EXPRESS II
Catalog Description:
36B - Final Cut Express II
1.5 units
Continuation of the content and skills introduced in Digital Media 36A (Final Cut Express I), with
emphasis on creative imagery through use of video and audio filters, motion and speed effects, and
compositing. Prerequisite: Digital Media 36A (completed with a grade of C or higher). 1 hour lecture,
2 hours laboratory.
Prerequisite Skills:
Before entering the course, the student should be able to:
1. use the basic Apple Macintosh operating system features, including navigation of the desktop,
saving and moving files to various storage media, and adjusting system preferences;
2. launch Final Cut Express, navigate and customize its interface, use the tools available in its
windows and palettes, and apply commands by means of menus and keyboard shortcuts;
3. describe the differences between video and film, and between analog and digital video;
4. capture video from a digital video camera, and import video from other sources;
5. organize and keep track of video clips;
6. build a simple edited sequence out of a series of clips;
7. recognize and use standard editing principles such as establishing shots, reverse angles, and
cutaways;
8. execute 3- and 4-point edits, L- and J-cuts, and other cuts-only editing techniques;
9. edit audio tracks, and maintain their synchronization with video tracks;
10. add dissolves and other transitions in appropriate places;
11. create titles and graphics, and add them to a video sequence by intercutting or superimposition;
12. output a finished sequence to a hard drive (including Web-compatible video formats) or DVD.
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:
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customize the Final Cut Express environment;
use all the controls in the Tool Palette and in the Timeline, Viewer, and Canvas windows;
re-edit a scene to change its tone, rhythm, or duration;
change the speed and direction of a video clip;
color-correct a video clip;
manage multiple video and audio tracks in the Timeline;
use audio filters to improve sound quality and create special audio effects;
use video filters to improve video quality and create special visual effects;
set up split screens and video inset windows;
use the Motion tab to move, rotate, and distort video images;
create animated titles and text effects;
composite multiple images through the use of alpha channels, mattes, and keys;
plan and storyboard a video project.
Chabot College
Course Outline for Digital Media 36B, page 2
Fall 2005
Course Content:
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Customizing the Final Cut Express environment
Using all the controls in the Tool Palette and in the Timeline, Viewer, and Canvas windows
Re-editing a scene to change its tone, rhythm, or duration
Changing the speed and direction of a video clip
Color-correcting a video clip
Managing multiple video and audio tracks in the Timeline
Using audio filters to improve sound quality and create special audio effects
Using video filters to improve video quality and create special visual effects
Setting set up split screens and video inset windows
Using the Motion tab to move, rotate, and distort video images
Creating animated titles and text effects
Compositing multiple images through the use of alpha channels, mattes, and keys
Planning and storyboarding a video project
Methods of Presentation:
1. Computer demonstrations
2. Video projection
3. Lecture with whiteboard
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1. Typical Assignments
a. Edit two significantly different versions of a scene using the same source clips
b. Edit a dynamic sequence using only still images as source material
c. Edit a TV commercial
d. Edit a music video
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a. Homework assignments
b. Quizzes and exams, including a final exam
Textbook(s) (Typical):
Apple Pro Training Series: Final Cut Express 2, Diana Weynand, Peachpit Press, March 2004
Making Movies with Final Cut Express, Michael Rubin, Peachpit Press, June 2003
Special Student Materials:
Digital video camera with Firewire port
MS g:\Curriclum2005\Digm36B
Revised: kk 11/17/04